Pete Wild leaves Oldham Athletic

Interim head coach Pete Wild has left Oldham Athletic who said in a statement the decision was made for “personal reasons”.

OAFC caretaker manager, Pete Wild

The Royton-based Wild, who had been an academy coach at the club for 10 years, had two spells in temporary charge of the first team on 2018-19 season following the departures of Frankie Bunn and Paul Scholes.

Wild, who was raised in Dobcross, brought stability in a season of turmoil as he won eight and drew three of his 17 games and had an impressive win percentage of 47.06.

The highlight was plotting the Emirates FA Cup, third-round victory at Premier League club Fulham. Wild had originally bought a ticket for the game as he had intended to sit with Latics’ fans.

Instead he was in the technical area getting the better of legendary manager Claudio Ranieri.

A club statement read: “The club would like to place on record a special thanks to Pete for his time and efforts recently as head coach, as well as his first spell in caretaker charge earlier in the 2018-19 season which included the memorable FA Cup victory at Fulham, in addition to his excellent work with the academy set up over the years.”

Owner Abdallah Lemsagam added: “Pete worked extremely hard for this club of which I am grateful for, but came to me today (Tues, May 7) saying he wants to spend some time away from football.

“He’s a great guy. I’m sad to see him go and would’ve liked him to stay with the club but I respect his decision and wish him well for the future.”

The club said an update on the new management team will be made in due course.